International Day of People with Disabilities is celebrated annually on the 3rd December each year. Since 1992 the day is focused on promoting the well-being and welfare of people living with disabilities. From 1945 the United Nations has outlined and reiterated its commitment for the creation of inclusive, accessible and sustainable societies and communities. International Day of People with Disabilities however is not owned by the United Nations it is owned by everyone, People, organisations, charities, and places of learning. Everyone has a vital role to play in addressing discrimination, exclusion and inaccessibility that many people living with a disability face. The 3rd of December marks international day of people with disabilities however we should be taking action every day in order to create diverse and accepting communities.
The main objectives of International Day of People with Disabilities are to:
– Educate people within communities around barriers to inclusion
– Provide opportunities for supported education/training/volunteering and employment for people with a disability
– Providing support socially and personally
– The provision of transport services to people with a disability
– Social enterprise grants: funds generated by International Day of People with Disabilities which help with support.
The theme for 2021 is “Fighting for rights in the post Covid era” this year should be used to recognise that people living with a disability are amongst the most affected post Covid. Since March 2020 every person on earth has been impacted in some way or another. This year we will be celebrating the challenges, barriers and opportunities for people who live with a disability in a global pandemic.
Not every disability is visible and we should all work together to promote further understanding of all types of disabilities. We should have open discussions about disabilities that are not immediately obvious this can help to spread awareness and reduce stigma around disabilities that are non-visible. Some non-visible disabilities may include Brain Injuries, Autism, Chronic Pain, and Mental Health.
At Skillnet we want to encourage our learners to speak up and encourage one another to increase their understanding of people living with disabilities whether it be visible or non-visible. Celebrating International Day of People Living with Disabilities helps to drive positive change within our communities.